J. Edgar Hoover TLS to Walter Winchell on Lindbergh Case, with Clippings:
HOOVER, JOHN EDGAR (1895-1972). A single-page typed letter signed by J. Edgar Hoover, on Division of Investigation, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, D.C. letterhead, dated September 22, 1934; addressed to Walter Winchell c/o the Daily Mirror. 9″ x 6 1/2.” Condition: mounted/laid down on cardboard; scattered spotting/soiling; shows central fold crease. In the letter, Hoover thanks Winchell for holding back reporting on the Lindbergh kidnapping case, and writes, in part: “I noticed in yesterday’s issue of the Washington Herald that you had ‘scooped’ the other papers by prophesying a ‘break’ in the Lindbergh case several weeks ago… your forbearance in refusing to publish certain information in connection with the investigation which I understand was in your possession has proved helpful to the Division and to the other law enforcement authorities involved.” In Winchell, Neil Gabler describes how Winchell knew by September 1934 that the police were closing in on a suspect, his primary source being the psychiatrist who had been consulted by police for a profile (Gabler 1994:207). TOGETHER WITH: TWO FRAMED ARTICLES/CLIPPINGS: A Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph headline, November 17, 1934: “Winchell Tip Spurs New Lindy Hunt” (frame 6″ x 16 1/2″) ; and “Walter Winchell of New York, Assignment Washington,” May 14, 1954, quoting Don Whitehead’s Associated Press article, regarding J. Edgar Hoover’s alleged “leaks” to Walter Winchell, and their coordination on releasing information concerning Bruno Hauptmann (frame 11″ x 8 3/4″). Hoover and Winchell had developed a mutually beneficial relationship, which included the sharing/controlling of information, and Winchell generating positive publicity for the department. In Winchell, Neil Gabler notes that, even given his associations with gangsters in the line of duty, Walter had been supportive of the FBI and it’s agents; and he further forged a “Faustian bargain” with Hoover after submitting a request for naval intelligence commission in March 1934 (in the course of Winchell investigating American Nazi groups) and received an “effusive recommendation” from Hoover (Gabler 1994:197). PROVENANCE: THE HAROLD A. LAYER COLLECTION. From the Walter Winchell Files, Butterfield & Butterfield, 1990/91.
